All about allergies: Why is my body suddenly itching and tingling?

Do you sometimes wonder why your eyes suddenly start to itch , your eyes become red and itchy, or your body starts to hurt? Maybe it's because you touched dust, touched your cat, or ate a certain food. Many people think this is normal, but this is what we call an "allergy." It's nothing to be afraid of, it's a very common condition. Let's talk about this from the beginning, in simple terms.

Simply put, what is this allergy?

An allergy is when your body's defense system, the immune system , overreacts to something that's not actually harmful. Think of your body as a country, and your immune system is the army of that country. Normally, this army fights off real enemies like viruses and bacteria that enter the body.

But the body's immune system is a bit more aggressive in people with allergies. They mistake harmless things like dust, pollen, and certain foods (which we call 'allergens') for real enemies.

Then this army starts a fight against that "enemy". In this fight , chemicals like histamine are released into the body. It is because of these chemicals that you get symptoms like hives, runny nose , itching, hives, and red eyes.

What are the main things we can be allergic to?

Allergens can be found in many different places around us. Not everyone is allergic to the same things. One person may be allergic to dust, while another may be allergic to eating shrimp. Here are some of the most common types of allergens.

The most severe form of an allergy: Anaphylaxis

Most of the time, allergy symptoms are not severe. However, sometimes, an allergy can cause a very serious, even life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis . This is a medical emergency.

Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis:

• Difficulty breathing, feeling of tightness in the chest
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing due to swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips
• Rash or redness all over the body
• Feeling dizzy, feeling like you might lose consciousness
• Vomiting, stomach ache
• Rapid or weak heartbeat
• Feeling very scared and anxious

This condition is most common in people who are allergic to certain foods (peanuts, seafood), insect bites, and certain medications .

When should we see a doctor?

If you suspect you have an allergy, it is very important to see a doctor, especially in the following cases:

• If you experience the symptoms of anaphylaxis mentioned above, it is an emergency. Go to the ETU immediately.
• If your allergy symptoms cannot be controlled with over-the-counter medications.
• If you often get allergic symptoms after eating a certain food .
• If your allergies are making it difficult to do your daily activities .
• If you develop allergic symptoms due to a newly started medication, immediately contact the doctor who prescribed the medication.

How does a doctor diagnose an allergy?

When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you a few questions. About your symptoms, when they come on, what makes them worse, etc. Then they will do a physical exam and, if necessary, run some tests to find out what exactly you are allergic to.

Skin Tests

This is the most common test. Here, a very small drop of the suspected allergen is placed on the skin of your hand, and a small needle is used to gently prick the skin. It doesn't hurt. Within 15-20 minutes, if you are allergic to something, the area will become slightly red, swollen, and itchy, like a mosquito bite.

Blood Tests

There are times when skin testing is not possible for some people (for example, people with severe skin conditions). In such cases, a blood sample is taken and sent to a laboratory to measure the amount of antibodies in your blood that have been produced against the allergen.

Testing for food allergies

If you suspect you have a food allergy, your doctor will tell you to stop eating that food for a few weeks (Elimination Diet). If your symptoms go away, they will tell you to try eating that food again. If your symptoms return, it means you may be allergic to that food. Don't try these things on your own, and always do so under medical advice .

What are the treatments for allergies?

Although allergies cannot be completely cured, there are many effective treatments that can help control symptoms and lead a normal life.

1. Stay away from allergens: This is the most important thing. If you have a dust allergy, keep your home clean. If you have a shellfish allergy, avoid eating shellfish.

2. Medications:

• Antihistamines: These are the most commonly used. They block a chemical called histamine, which causes symptoms like itching, hives, and runny nose.
• Corticosteroids: These are a type of steroid. They come in the form of nasal sprays, inhalers, and topical creams. They reduce swelling and inflammation caused by allergies.
• Decongestants: Relieve nasal congestion.
• Emergency Epinephrine: If you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), your doctor may prescribe an auto-injector pen. This should be used in an emergency. Even if you use it, you should go to the hospital immediately.

3. Immunotherapy:

This is a long-term treatment. In this, you are given very small amounts of the allergen as allergy shots over a period of time. This helps your immune system "get used to" the allergen. Over time, your body will respond less strongly to it.

How to live with allergies? (Prevention methods)

There are many things you can do yourself to control allergies.

• Keep your home clean: Dust at least once a week. Wiping with a damp cloth will reduce dust buildup. Wash bedding and pillowcases in hot water. If possible, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
• Be careful during peak pollen times: Pollen levels are highest in the morning and evening. Limit your time outdoors during these times. Wash your body and change your clothes after you go outside.
• Be careful with food: If you have a food allergy, ask about the ingredients when buying food at the store.
• Keep an allergy diary: Write down the days, what you eat, and where you go when you experience allergy symptoms. This can help you pinpoint your allergens.

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